Clearly you need to understand what has caused the work related stress, how to prevent it in the future and you can only do that by discussing the issues with the employee. Ideally you should have a policy/procedure for this purpose. In the absence of one you will need to agree with HR what is the best way forward in line with the company return to work policy.

You asked for how others see / deal with this. I say - use the same approach as with any other absence such as a reported ‘bad back’. Firstly, any risk of the complaint arising from work should / could have been identified in advance (sometimes called risk assessment). If stress is a risk from a particular job role, this ought to be evident (and may well be where you are already). Secondly, neither the bad back example nor ‘stress’ is a proper diagnosis. GPs seem only too willing to state ‘work related stress’ on fit notes, only having the patients word for this. Stress is a hazard not an illness. It may cause illnesses – these are diverse and need to be clarified by a medical practitioner. So if someone is absent through any properly diagnosed ill health condition, the work causation element (‘my bad back is from lifting stuff at work’, ‘my stress is caused by difficulties at work’) has to be investigated. (See first point). Therefore the initial step (for you) is to enquire further at the coalface, rather than via the individual, asking for example: Is such a condition possible? How could it have happened? Any evidence or confirmation? It is too easy to get sucked in to filling in (stress) questionnaires for individuals almost as the first action. Would you do this with a reported ‘bad back’? There is also the OH option for those with access to a service. Treat as usual absence, whilst investigating work risk potential. Return to work procedure as per any absence, and follow up, to be done by manager of course (by all means sit on their shoulder to guide). If a work connection IS established, (ie a risk) then take a look at the control measures in place and go from there. Some HSE material on stress has suggested that there are no intrinsically stressful occupations. Hmm – disagree.

Thanks for the comments. Agree its complicated. Also dont quite understand the HSE guidnance which apperantly quotes that there are no intrinscially stressful occupations. Seems like a crazy thing to say, also sure the nearly 500,000 people who go off sick every year wity occupational stress related illness would also disagree! :)

Interesting judgement thanks for clarifying where it comes from so working as a air traffic controller or working as a teacher in the inner city is no more stressful than working in build a bear? lol ;)

Where a formal process of work related stress RAs have been carried out they tend to be generic and to be honest not that useful because stress is very personal, plus factors outside work can have a big impact and are obviously difficult to control. Work related stress often involves bullying, harassment, work overload, relationships and so on. I suggest these factors should be investigated to assess the potential problems. Only through a one to one can you properly identify the problem - if one exists at all. We have to be open minded and recognise that sometimes people take time off work for all manner of reasons. Stress is convenient because of its intangible factors.

Excellent thread - very much in the vain of occupational health topics at present - "I can also clarify that #buildabear is very stressful on a Saturday for a parent, let alone a employee" Anyway whilst on this topic would anyone suggest a generic template or similar to use - maybe even have one, I could then use it to identify a specialist (remembering that I am not that) in this case?